96 850 n/a issues

volvo_96 · Post by **volvo_96** » 09 Nov 2010, 21:54

Car stalled at a red light, was running perfect before that.
Since then, I have replaced the spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, but still car will only start and run rough with a real foul gasoline smell for a minute or two then it cuts off as if it ran out of fuel. Attempts to start it again fail. Seems like it only starts right up after it's been sitting for a while. Could it be the fuel filter?
I noticed a pool of oil on the valve cover when replacing the spark plugs, but dont know why.
There is a clicking or knocking sound from the engine, but cant figure out or pinpoint the exact location, could it be the rotor?
While replacing the distributor cap, I noticed a donut shaped thing up against the engine, that fell off when I removed the old cap. I thought it was some type of seal for the cap so I just put it back when put the new one.
I dont know what else to try, and it's driving me crazy. Please if anyone has any advise, please post it here.

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Nov 2010, 23:04

This sounds like a mass airflow sensor to me.

Undo the connector on the sensor just after the airbox, start the car up and see if it will drive around. If that's it, there's your problem.

The oil on the valve cover is probably a clogged PCV system. See the write-up at the top of the forum and read through cn90's post below mine for the NA engine. Once you've done that, you can replace your oil cap seal as well.

That donut is supposed to be inside the dist. cap; and the rotor itself shouldn't be making noise. If you can get a video of the noise or try to isolate it further with a "mechanics stethoscope" (a piece of pipe or something will help you pinpoint the noise) we can probably be of more help.

volvo_96 · Post by **volvo_96** » 10 Nov 2010, 08:51

jablackburn wrote:This sounds like a mass airflow sensor to me.

Undo the connector on the sensor just after the airbox, start the car up and see if it will drive around. If that's it, there's your problem.

The oil on the valve cover is probably a clogged PCV system. See the write-up at the top of the forum and read through cn90's post below mine for the NA engine. Once you've done that, you can replace your oil cap seal as well.

That donut is supposed to be inside the dist. cap; and the rotor itself shouldn't be making noise. If you can get a video of the noise or try to isolate it further with a "mechanics stethoscope" (a piece of pipe or something will help you pinpoint the noise) we can probably be of more help.

I will take check the mass airflow sensor after work.
I will try to get video as well.
Thanks man, I hope it's just the sensor like you said. My tags expire this month so I have to figure this out.

Post by **misha** » 10 Nov 2010, 16:04

volvo_96 wrote:...Thanks man, I hope it's just the sensor like you said...

Better not,they aren't cheap and you will need ONLY oem volvo maf sensor which is Bosch 0 280 217 107.

These cars don't like aftermarket electronic parts,especially sensors.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 10 Nov 2010, 16:10

Sounds like it is the MAF to me also. I do hope I am wrong because they are not cheap but worst case, you could always get a used one.

begovic · Post by **begovic** » 10 Nov 2010, 16:50

Could be two hoses on idle control valve. After 15 years they become soft and holes opens up and car will run like crap or would not stay running.

volvo_96 · Post by **volvo_96** » 18 Nov 2010, 23:47

FCPGroton wrote:Sounds like it is the MAF to me also. I do hope I am wrong because they are not cheap but worst case, you could always get a used one.

I disconnected the sensor, started up the car and seems like it ran better. I then connected the sensor and engine would turn but it would not start. Disconnected sensor again, started up fine. I then connected the sensor while car was running and engine died. So I am afraid it's the sensor. Can someone second this before I spend the money on a new sensor?

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 Nov 2010, 23:51

Yep - bad sensor for sure.

If you don't have the money to spend on a new one (they're expensive little things), look on Ebay for a used one, someone parting out a car, or head to a junkyard!

Don't, by any means, go aftermarket, like something you would get at Advanced. I have seen people do that and only have more problems.

volvo_96 · Post by **volvo_96** » 18 Mar 2011, 21:43

Is this sound related to the bad maf sensor? I disconnected the sensor, ran it for over 10 minutes and kept making tat "tapping" noise, seems like it was coming from the valve cover.

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 Mar 2011, 21:51

That doesn't sound good; that noise is in no way related to the airflow sensor. I wonder if you've got a stuck valve that's been smashed.